Tate’s Game Notes From Week 5

<p>We’re into March and just weeks away from the start of the MHSAA finals. Thursday night I got out to see one of the best teams in the area, Muskegon, take on Wyoming and double-double machine, [player_tooltip player_id="1128345" first="Ramere" last="Draper"] in an OK Green tilt. Below I’ll break down my observations from the game as well as some of the top scorers this week from around the area.</p> <h5>Muskegon 76, Wyoming 51</h5> <p>First thing that popped out to me was the size and length of Muskegon’s guards. The Big Reds have the deepest guard rotation in the OK Conference, led by [player_tooltip player_id="987274" first="Jordan" last="Briggs"], [player_tooltip player_id="814598" first="Kalil" last="Stimage"], and [player_tooltip player_id="987635" first="Anthony" last="Sydnor"] III. Those three guards bring a ton of energy on the defensive end and thrive off making life difficult for opposing ball handlers. Turnovers turn into easy transition buckets due in large part to the speed that each of their guards plays with.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="987274" first="Jordan" last="Briggs"] did a little bit of everything for Muskegon on Thursday night. His patience and ability to choose the right read is what makes Jordan one of the best sophomore guards in the state, and his shot-making ability takes his game to the next level. He showed off his jumper from deep, and converted tough midrange shots, and finishes at the rim against the Wolves.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="814598" first="Kalil" last="Stimage"] and [player_tooltip player_id="987635" first="Anthony" last="Sydnor"] III love to get downhill and use their physicality to get to the rim. Additionally, their handle and ability to create offense in isolation sets opens up shot opportunities for their teammates.</p> <p>Muskegon big man Ethan Hill brought a ton of energy right out of the gate for Musekgon. He crashed the glass and cleaned up nearly every second-chance opportunity on both ends of the court, helping the Big Reds get out to an early double-digit lead. Ethan also showed great touch on his looks in the paint, and a couple of nice post-moves to add to his 14-point showing.</p> <p>Wyoming’s [player_tooltip player_id="1128345" first="Ramere" last="Draper"] got off to a slow start, due in large part to Muskegon’s defensive game plan. In the second half, the junior got going offensively and finished with 17 points. His athleticism jumps off the page when he drives, especially when he gets a look on the left side of the lane. Ramere made a couple of eye-opening plays on the defensive end, going up and taking away shots at the rim.</p> <p>Joshua Ansley had a really solid game, going toe-to-toe with Muskegon’s guards. Joshua has a really nice handle and was able to dribble out of Muskegon’s traps consistently. He also should a sense of fearlessness on the offensive end, going up and finishing contested shots in a crowded lane.</p> <h5>This Week’s Top Performers</h5> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="814575" first="Tommy" last="Gregwer"], G, Grandville 2021"</h6> <p>Tommy put up 30 points and 12 rebounds in Grandville’s 65-49 win over Jenison on Thursday night. The Bulldogs improve to 7-7 on the year.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="811128" first="Ethan" last="Erickson"], G, Forest Hills Northern 2021"</h6> <p>Ethan scored 30 points, hitting six threes in Northern’s 65-46 win over Byron Center on Tuesday night.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1067860" first="Jalen" last="Overway"], F, Holland Christian 2021"</h6> <p>Jalen scored a career-high 37 points in Holland Christian’s 66-61 loss to Hamilton on Tuesday night.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="987270" first="Kaden" last="Brown"], G, Catholic Central 2023"</h6> <p>Kaden scored 28 points in the Cougar’s 93-67 win over Ottawa Hills on Tuesday night. The Cougars remain unbeaten.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="611440" first="Trip" last="Riemersma"], G, Zeeland East 2021"</h6> <p>Trip put up 20 points and four rebounds in the Chix’s 65-21 win over Grand Rapids Union on Tuesday night. Zeeland East is 12-0 on the year.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1112374" first="Durral" last="Brooks"], G, Catholic Central 2024"</h6> <p>The freshman guard scored 24 points in Catholic Central’s win over Grand Rapids Union on Tuesday night.</p>